September 23, 2011 Clea’s shade is in the bedroom, next to the bed, urging me out for a walk.  “Come on, my dear,” she says enthusiastically.  “Let’s go and experience the day.” When I agree, she swishes her elegant sweeping tail and glides out of the house, a huge smile on her face – just as she did in life. Later, her shade is in the kitchen, where I am at the computer in the wee hours trying to finish some work. “Come to bed, my dear,” she says.  “You need your rest.” I can’t help the tears when I look up and she isn’t there.  She always waited for me to go to bed. Clea was a 13-year-old German Shepherd who came to us for hospice care.  She needed a home and we loved her and swore to make every day a jewel.  We believe in the healing ability of the joy factor.  And Clea’s time with us was pure joy. “Do you want dinner, Clea?”  Her eyes would light up and she would run again, to her spot on the verandah where we put her … [Read more...]